Tre Donaldson’s last-second layup stunned Maryland, propelling No. 22 Michigan to an 81-80 victory in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals. With only 0.4 seconds on the clock, Donaldson’s swift coast-to-coast drive culminated in a left-handed layup that sealed the win for the Wolverines.
Earlier in the game, Donaldson had drained a crucial 3-pointer, giving Michigan a three-point lead with just 28 seconds remaining. However, Maryland’s Julian Reese quickly countered with a layup, and Derik Queen’s two free throws put the Terrapins ahead by one with only 5.3 seconds left. This set the stage for Donaldson’s dramatic buzzer-beater.
In addition to his game-winning shot, Donaldson contributed significantly with 12 points and nine assists. Vladislav Goldin led Michigan with 25 points and secured 10 rebounds, while Danny Wolf added a strong performance with 21 points and 14 rebounds, marking his third consecutive double-double.
On the opposing side, Queen shone for Maryland, scoring a career-high 31 points. The Terrapins, who entered the matchup with eight wins in their last nine games, also saw Selton Miguel contribute 16 points. Despite their efforts, Maryland has yet to reach the tournament’s title game since joining the Big Ten in 2014.
Michigan initially built a substantial lead in the second half, going up 49-34 with 17:16 left and maintaining a 61-50 advantage after a layup from Roddy Gayle Jr. However, Maryland responded with a 14-point run to take a brief lead, leading to a thrilling back-and-forth in the final minutes before Donaldson’s decisive play.
With this victory, Michigan (24-9), the No. 3 seed in the Big Ten Tournament, advances to face fifth-seeded Wisconsin (26-8) in the conference title game on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET.
Takeaways
For Michigan, the combination of Wolf and Goldin, along with Donaldson’s clutch performance, proved effective in the semifinals. However, the team’s 19 turnovers could pose a significant threat in future matchups if not addressed.
Maryland must reconsider its reliance on starter points. The failure to adequately defend against Donaldson during his drive allowed him to execute a last-minute play that could have been prevented.
Key moment
Donaldson’s rapid sprint from his own baseline to the basket defined the game’s climax.
Key stat
Michigan’s rebounding dominance, with a 47-18 edge, showcased Wolf’s prowess, as he nearly out-rebounded the entire Maryland team by himself.
Up next
The Wolverines aim for their first tournament title since their back-to-back victories in 2017 and 2018, while Maryland will await the selection committee’s bracket reveal.
